Communications Specialist

The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California (ACLU/SC) seeks an experienced writer to serve as a Communications Specialist. The Communications Specialist will assist in communications strategy for the organization; write internal and external communications including opinion pieces, press releases, web content and Executive Board communications; and help with media relations.

The Communications Specialist will report to the Communications Director and help advance ACLU issues through the media and other communications.

The Communications Specialist's responsibilities will include:

• Under the direction of the Communications Director, being a part of a multi-disciplinary team working to develop communications strategy and public messages for ACLU/SC issues;
• Writing press releases, statements, letters-to-the-editor, and guest opinion editorials;
• Writing internal communications including articles for the quarterly newsletter, website copy, annual report copy, board communications and activist materials;
• Helping maintain the press contact database as well as responding to press inquiries;
• Assisting in messaging and creating talking points on a variety of issues.

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, and confidence in writing abilities;
• Experience in one or more of the following; journalism, media relations, general communications, editing, creating advocacy materials including newsletters and website content;
• At least 2-3 years professional experience;
• Familiarity and/or expertise in a broad range of civil liberties issues, including those emerging from the aftermath of September 11,the death penalty, criminal justice issues, economic justice, reproductive freedom, and equal justice on the basis of race, gender, disability, and sexual orientation;
• Obsession with the news, newspapers and the media in general

Salary and Benefits:
Salary commensurate with experience, within the parameters of the ACLU compensation scale. Excellent benefits package provided.

Application Procedure:
Interested persons should submit a cover letter, resume, salary history and three references, complete with names, addresses and employment position, to: tweddle@aclu-sc.org or send the same to Attn:

Todd Weddle
ACLU of Southern California
1313 W. 8^th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90017.
No calls please.

The ACLU of Southern California and ACLU Foundation of Southern California are affirmative action employers. People of color, women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, people with disabilities, and people over 55 are encouraged to apply. Fluency in English and Spanish preferred.